Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/24/2007

Question
Dear Eileen,
I sent you a question before about the 33 year old Jenny Lind baby bed I have been trying to strip.  I did not make it clear that I am trying to strip the original varnish/stain, NOT paint.  Your answer was for paint removing.   
My sister needs this bed in 3 weeks, if I can not remove the varnish/stain is there a way to paint it without it looking terrible?  The finish on this bed may not be varnish, I do not know what the manufacture used.  The only thing I do know is Bix stripper and Kllen Strip do not remove it.  PLEASE HELP.  Thank you.  Debbie

Answer
Hi Again Debbie.
Sorry about the mixup.
Its possibly lacquer on the bed Debbie, and in most cases (not all) Circa 1850 paint and varnish remover will remove it.
The instructions for paint, and original finish are the same.
Just get a small can of this stripper.
If it fails, then paint. Just do a test area of stripper.
Just lightly sand if you are painting. It will not look terrible if you use the correct brush for the paint you buy (ask).
You can spray paint too, but thats easier to mess up than brushing.
Get cracking or the baby will be here.
Kindest Regards
Eileen